Two-time state champ also considered Penn State, Clarion, Virginia Tech among others.

Spending a night at the home of wrestling legend Cael Sanderson and the prominence of Penn State's program made it extremely difficult to say "no thanks" to the Nittany Lions.

Clarion also was a legitimate option, thanks to an instant connection formed with coach Troy Letters.

And the physical appeal of Virginia Tech's campus was certainly captivating.

Ultimately, Pen Argyl's two-time state champion Mikey Racciato chose the University of Pittsburgh because he believes it's the best fit for him — academically, athletically and socially. Racciato, who initially will receive a partial scholarship to wrestle at Pittsburgh, plans sign his letter of intent either this week or next.

He will join a Panthers program that will compete in the Atlantic Coast Conference in 2013. Pitt, coached by Rande Stottlemyer, is ranked No. 18 in the nation.

Racciato took his officials visits to Clarion, Penn State, Pittsburgh and Virginia Tech.

"I went out to Penn State for a football game with my mom and dad," he said. "We met with Coach Sanderson and we went over to his house. It's hard not to like Penn State, especially its wrestling team. He has all his medals and tells you if you come here you'll win national titles. It's kind of hard to say no.

"But there are a lot of things to think about when you pick a school — the offer they make, how soon you could start, different philosophies and lots of other things. I know I'm going to wrestle in college but you can't base your decision off just wrestling."

Racciato's initial list of potential choices included about 10 colleges of all sizes. A two-sport athlete at Pen Argyl, the 5-foot-7, 155-pounder said he considered a school where continuing to compete in both football and wrestling was an option.

Relief, Racciato said, was the appropriate word to describe his emotions Wednesday night.

"I'm happy it's over with. It was a long process. The hardest part for me was narrowing it from 10 to five. Then, I was able to take it from there," he said. "I really liked Pittsburgh and the campus — it's not really what I expected, a lot different than Philadelphia. I got along with the coaches and I know pretty much the whole team. When I visited I thought I could picture myself there."

Racciato enters his senior season at Pen Argyl with a 142-8 career record. He is the school's wins leader and its first two-time PIAA state champ. His brother, Philip, also a state medalist, is a junior wrestler at Wilkes University.

As a football player, Racciato is a four-year starter and a 1,000-yard rusher for the Green Knights. Pen Argyl plays Catasauqua on Saturday night in the District 11 Class 2A championship.

"I'd like to keep doing everything I've been doing," Racciato said of his wrestling goals for the upcoming season. "I'd like to win at King of the Mountain — that's a tournament I haven't won. And I'd like to finish undefeated. Team-wise, I hope we're competitive. I'd like to make it back to team states."